Open Call | Belfast Gathering 2026 Bursaries from Performing Arts Forum
Now in its fourth year, our Independent Artist Bursaries are back for our Belfast Gathering (more information about The Gathering here).
Since the launch of these bursaries, support from participating local authorities has expanded to include arts organisations, and this year the scheme operates on an all-island basis – ensuring a more diverse range of independent artists and theatre practitioners can take part in this vital sectoral gathering.
Applications are invited from anyone working professionally in theatre and the performing arts. Artists and arts workers at an early career stage as well as more established and experienced professionals are invited to apply.
Applicants must be first time recipients of these bursaries. If you have already received a bursary and attended The Gathering, you will not be eligible on this occasion.
Applicants must be based and working on the island of Ireland. Please see the individual county/borough applications for their conditions before applying.
Applicants can only apply once unless applying through a member organisation, in which case a further application may be submitted. Where multiple applications are received across different bursaries, only one will be put forward and all others will not be considered.
In partnership with local authorities and organisations, we welcome applications from individuals from diverse national, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including, but not limited to, Asian, Black, Traveller and other minority ethnic communities; refugees; people with disabilities; people from marginalised socio-economic backgrounds; and LGBTIQ+ artists and arts workers.